The first time I encountered Penny Rhodes was from afar through her 2024 General Church Assembly Talk. That eight-minute talk can be listened to here: Penny’s Talk. The first time we officially met in person was when I arrived at her front door to record this episode. Before we had even sat down, the words slipped out of my mouth: "I feel like I already know you." Penny's story is powerful because it is a living example of the Lord's message. As Penny says in her Assembly talk, she is the woman who was forgiven much, and therefore loves much. Penny doesn't shy away from the choices that caused wounds she once thought were unforgivable — choices that led her into what she calls a living hell. But she also shows what's possible on the other side of that: years of repentance, real healing, and the Lord's mercy carried her from that hell into an entirely different life — a living heaven. Today, forty-plus years later, she says: "The Lord put me to use–to work in the trenches with people whose lives are in ruin—people who have finally hit rock bottom, screaming in pain and hopelessness for any number of reasons. I can sit with them in that mess. I don't flinch, judge, or give up. I simply hold them, and my love and faith in the Lord works through me.” Penny reminds us that life is complicated. The Lord has an extraordinary way of taking what looks like hell, shame, misery, and despair and transforming it into something beautiful. Jesus did not come for those who believed they had no need of healing. He came for the brokenhearted, the poor in spirit, the sinners, the outcasts, and those convinced they were beyond redemption. Without Minister Malcolm inviting Penny to share her testimony years ago, her story never would have reached me. Now I hope it reaches you. Welcome to Episode 60! P.S. If this conversation moves you, pass it along. Someone may need to hear it. Check Out: Penny Rhodes 2024 GC Assembly Talk A Light Burden: Easier Ways to Shun Evils by John Odhner Falling Upward by Richard Rohr From the Gospels: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." - Matthew 5:44 Jesus spoke these words during the Sermon on the Mount, calling His disciples—and all who would follow Him—to a love that extends even toward those who have hurt them. "Your sins are forgiven... Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." - Luke 7 Spoken to the unnamed woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." — John 8:10–11 Spoken to the woman caught in adultery. A new commandment, I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you. By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another, as I have loved you. - John 13:34-35 Jesus speaks these words to his disciples during the Last Supper, just before his crucifixion "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?... Mary!" She said, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher). - John 20:15–16 Jesus' first appearance after His resurrection was to Mary Magdalene—the woman from whom He had cast seven demons. Elevate the Experience Help bring better audio, video, and filmed episodes to life: Venmo. I tithe 10% of all contributions—half to the All Secure Foundation (supporting soldiers’ transition home) and half to the Academy of the New Church High School. Stay Connected Contact: https://ethanclewin.com/
